In this episode of The Deal Podcast, energy innovator Ken Bernhard explores the paradox every visionary faces: the better your solution, the more resistance it often creates. Ken unpacks: • Why trust, not tech, is the real barrier to innovation • How his team restructured utility infrastructure as an off-book leased asset • Why AI-powered tools are only useful when paired with operational credibility • The friction between legacy systems and new approaches • How Bernhardt’s vertically integrated design-build model broke through healthcare • What it means to build infrastructure people can’t ignore, even if they don’t fully understand it This is a must-watch for founders, operators, and investors who lead change and need others to buy in. Connect with the us: Website: https://www.famergers.com Jude David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-david-jd-dcl-mba-172a6a76/ Scott Shea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/escottshea/ Chase Kenner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-kenner/ Connect with the Hosts & The Deal Podcast: Joshua Wilson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ YouTube – @dealpodcast Website – https://www.thedealpodcast.com

In this compelling clip from The Deal Podcast, Ken Bernhard shares the moment his team realized they weren’t just acquiring a software company they were unlocking the core of an Energy-as-a-Service powerhouse. Ken walks through: • How 140+ national projects revealed the company’s hidden identity • Why the future of infrastructure isn’t just about smart construction, it’s about long-term O&M • What happens when you combine cutting-edge engineering with software and a shrinking labor force • Why most finance-driven energy timelines (2 years or less) don’t tell the whole story • How their platform helps augment, not replace, a declining skilled workforce If you’re in infrastructure, energy, or tech, this episode reframes what you thought you knew about value creation. Connect with the us: Website: https://www.famergers.com Jude David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-david-jd-dcl-mba-172a6a76/ Scott Shea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/escottshea/ Chase Kenner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-kenner/ Connect with the Hosts & The Deal Podcast: Joshua Wilson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ YouTube – @dealpodcast Website – https://www.thedealpodcast.com

In this eye-opening clip from The Deal Podcast, Ron Diamond breaks down the uncomfortable truth behind family offices and why most of them collapse within just three generations. Ron shares: • The brutal statistics (only 10% survive to the third generation) • Why ego, not strategy, is often the root cause of failure • The Ty Warner story: From Beanie Baby billionaire to failed investor • The difference between personal success and operational discipline • Why many families should consider a multi-family office instead of going solo This isn’t theory, it’s the hard reality most wealthy families face after a liquidity event. If you’re in wealth management, private equity, or legacy planning, this is essential listening. Guest: Ron Diamond - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronalddiamond/ 🎧 Connect with the Host & The Deal Podcast: Joshua Wilson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCBIHzVOjInGznlpvC2pqpYQ Website: https://www.thedealpodcast.com

In this sharp, deal-focused clip from The Deal Podcast, Scott Shea and Chase Kenner explain why the best opportunities don’t go to the most passive buyers or sellers. They walk through a real deal that required five or six follow-ups just to get a reply. The buyer eventually responded weeks later… and four months after that, the deal closed. Connect with the Guest: Website: https://www.famergers.com Scott Shea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/escottshea/ Chase Kenner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-kenner/ Connect with the Hosts & The Deal Podcast: Joshua Wilson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCBIHzVOjInGznlpvC2pqpYQ Contact The Deal Podcast: https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/ #TheDealPodcast #PrivateEquity #BusinessAcquisitions #PlatformStrategy #BundledServices #StrategicBuyers #FinancialBuyers #VerticalIntegration #JudeDavid

In this quick but powerful clip from The Deal Podcast, Scott Shea explains why letting emotions drive financial decisions can sabotage your success especially when large dollar amounts are involved. Using examples from both business and public markets, Scott shares how emotional overreactions to dollar figures instead of percentages can lead to poor decisions, missed opportunities, and lost confidence in the deal process. Whether you’re an investor, operator, or founder preparing for exit, this clip is a must-watch for developing a clearer, calmer decision-making mindset. Connect with the Guest: Scott Shea – Mergers and Acquisitions Advisor https://www.linkedin.com/in/escottshea/ Connect with the Hosts & The Deal Podcast: Joshua Wilson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@UCBIHzVOjInGznlpvC2pqpYQ #TheDealPodcast #MobileHomeParks #DealFlow #RealEstateInvesting #PersistencePays #AcquisitionStrategy #RelationshipMarketing

In this episode, Jude David breaks down the top three reasons buyers walk away from deals: 1. Poor or inconsistent financials 2. Owner-dependence 3. Lack of scalability Jude explains why even strong businesses can become unsellable if they’re built around a single owner or lack repeatable systems. If you’re planning to sell or want to protect future value, this episode is a must-listen. For business owners preparing for exit, this is required listening. Connect with the Hosts & The Deal Podcast: Joshua Wilson – LinkedIn YouTube – @dealpodcast Website – https://www.thedealpodcast.com

Jude David outlines what experienced buyers like himself are looking for when reviewing businesses for acquisition. In this quick but practical clip, he shares the 3 essential attributes of a sellable company: 1. Consistent, profitable financials 2. A strong management team (not just a strong owner) 3. Clear scalability and growth potential If you’re wondering how your business looks through a buyer’s eyes, this is the episode to start with. Connect with the Hosts & The Deal Podcast: Joshua Wilson – LinkedIn YouTube – @dealpodcast Website – https://www.thedealpodcast.com

One of the most common mistakes Jude David sees as an M&A advisor? Business owners waiting too long to sell. In this story driven clip, he shares a real-life example of a business that turned down a strong $13.8M offer only to be hit with tariffs and then COVID. The business no longer exists. This episode is a clear reminder: The upside is never guaranteed. The right time to sell might be sooner than you think. Connect with the Hosts & The Deal Podcast: Joshua Wilson – LinkedIn YouTube – @dealpodcast Website – https://www.thedealpodcast.com